In an evolution that refreshes Windstar’s trio of sailing ships – Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf – the company has begun a multi-million-dollar, multi-year refurbishment initiative. The remodeling effort, which has already begun on the 148-guest Wind Star, spans the vessels, from staterooms and suites to restaurants and pool decks.
The inspiration for the major remodel, says Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s vice president of hotel operations and product development, is to make sure that the ships’ spaces feel up to date while retaining the charm that has made each so special. “The initiative is all about providing guests with updated spaces that inspire relaxation, foster connection, and offer multifunctional needs of an intimate sized sailing yacht,” he says.
As you can see from our renderings, the new ambience is earthy, clubby and quietly elegant. “It’s about feeling a sense of stepping onto your own private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel,” says Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design.
Here’s how the upgrades are rolling out.
Wind Star
The Project: The 148-guest Wind Star underwent the first stage of upgrades while in Lisbon in November 2023. In this phase one (of two), the ship’s reception area received expanded seating and retail space, the Lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Cafe was spruced up with new furniture and lighting, and the World Spa by Windstar and gym were revitalized, and new equipment was installed. The pool deck, one of Wind Star’s most social places, has a new pool and Jacuzzi, an extended pool bar, and fresh pops of color via new outdoor seating and lounging. The Owner’s Suite was completely redesigned.
Wind Star’s technology has also gotten a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
What’s next? The second phase of Wind Star’s “Setting Sails” project takes place in 2026. On tap: Guest staterooms will be remodeled. Amphora, its primary restaurant, and Veranda, it’s ship-top café for lunch and breakfast, will also be completely redecorated.
Wind Spirit
The Project: In April 2025, the 148-guest Wind Spirit, will undergo phase one of its transformation. Similar to the process that’s already started with twin ship Wind Star, phase one will focus on refurbishments of its reception area, retail space, and the lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Café. The World Spa by Windstar and the gym will get fresh overhauls and new equipment. There will be a new pool and whirlpool in the pool area and the pool bar will be enhanced. The Owner’s Suite will be completely revamped.
Onboard technology will also get a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
What’s Next: Phase 2 will occur in 2027. Amphora and Veranda will be redone, as will all suites.
Wind Surf
The Project: The 310-guest Wind Surf will undergo its $7.5 million refurbishment in two phases, starting in November 2024 and finishing up in December 2026. Both segments of the refurbishment process for Wind Surf will take place at Navantia shipyard, in Spain’s Cádiz.
Refurbishment efforts in the first phase include the ship’s top three suites, which will be remodeled in the Broadmoor and Sea Island design that’s onboard the Star-class ships, plus one more that’s going be redone in a yacht-like style. Other projects will include refurbishments of Amphora, the lobby, Compass Rose, the pool bar and the boutique.
What’s Next: During phase two of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, all accommodations will be remodeled with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor. This will take place in December 2026
